Different Cardio Workouts

From LoveToKnow Exercise

If you are bored with your current exercise routine and are looking for different cardio workouts, then you have come to the right place. This article will explore different cardio workouts guaranteed to put a little life back into your exercise routine.

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The Importance of Cardio Exercises

Cardiovascular fitness is one of five components of physical fitness. Doing different cardio workouts can improve your cardiovascular fitness, which, in turn, can help prevent heart disease, obesity and other diseases. Cardiovascular exercise is any repetitive exercise that is done in your target heart rate zone for a sustained period of time. Doing cardiovascular exercises will not only strengthen your heart, but also strengthen your pulmonary system and allow your body’s oxygen delivery system to operate optimally.

Using Different Cardio Workouts to Strengthen Your Heart

Cardiovascular fitness doesn’t need to be boring. Many people feel that in order to get a good cardio workout, they need to log boring hours on a treadmill. This just isn’t the case. There are so many different ways to get a cardio workout, that there’s sure to be something to capture anyone’s interest.

Beyond The Treadmill

Maybe you like walking on a treadmill because it gives you time to catch up on a book on tape or listen to your tunes. If that’s the case, then the treadmill is an excellent source of cardiovascular exercise provided you are working in your target heart rate zone. If, however, you are tired of mechanized cardio equipment like treadmills, elliptical trainers, stair climbers and exercise bikes, there are a number of other fun activities that will get you into your target heart rate zone and keep you there.

  • Martial arts – Any form of martial arts are great exercise. However, you may want to consider taking an aerobics class that combines traditional aerobics moves with the martial arts, such as Tae Bo.
  • Sports – Sports like tennis, racquetball, basketball and soccer can all improve both the strength of your heart and its endurance.

For Video Game Lovers

Do you love video games? Would you be more inclined to get some exercise if it bore a striking resemblance to a video game? If so, then these next few items are for you!

  • LARPing – Are you more of a video game aficionado than one who likes to work out? You may enjoy LARPing. LARPing is a live-action role playing game that allows you to assume a character and participate in a battle with others in the LARPing group. There’s a lot of running and simulated combat, which makes it a great workout.
  • Wii Fit – Another great choice for video game lovers is the Wii Fit from Nintendo. This video game for the Wii system includes a balance board and a number of personalized exercises to help you meet your cardiovascular fitness goals.

Cardio for Nature Lovers

  • Hiking – If you love the outdoors, then hiking may be the perfect form of cardiovascular exercise. The unevenness of the terrain, extra weight carried in a backpack as well as the up and down of hills all serve to keep your heart in its target heart rate zone. Be sure to pack lots of water with you. One clever way to do so is to use one of the water backpacks that are available now – like the CamelBak hydration system.
  • Trail running – Hiking taken to the extreme, trail running is exactly what it sounds like. You’re out in nature but away from traffic.
  • Cross-country skiing – If you believe getting exercise out in nature is confined to the summer months only, then you’re in for a treat. Cross-country skiing is a fantastic form of exercise. Not only that, but it isn’t nearly as expensive as downhill skiing. After an initial outlay for skis and boots (which can be rented), you’re good to go. There is no need to buy expensive lift tickets or travel to the mountains. This activity is an ideal winter outdoor activity for those who live in snowy climates.

Aerobics Classes

Today’s aerobics classes aren’t Jane Fonda’s aerobics. While there are still traditional aerobics and low impact aerobics classes available, there are a number of other fitness classes being taught today, as well.

  • Spinning – This class combines stationary bikes, music and a motivating teacher in a class environment. Spinning can be a great workout and a nice change from traditional aerobics classes.
  • Circuit classes – This type of aerobics class combines formal instruction with a combination of cardiovascular stations and strength training stations. Participants alternate between the cardio and strength stations for a killer workout that covers all of the bases.
  • Power yoga – These classes combine traditional yoga poses with a cardiovascular workout. It is relaxing and invigorating all at the same time – and it gets your heart pumping.

The list above has just scratched the surface of the different types of cardiovascular workouts you can do. With a little creativity, anything can become a cardiovascular workout that keeps you interested and motivated.



 


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